Tippecanoe County Criminal Records
What Is Tippecanoe County Criminal Records
Tippecanoe County criminal records are official documents maintained by various county agencies that document the criminal history of individuals within the jurisdiction. These records are created and maintained pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3, which governs public records in the state. Criminal records typically originate when an individual is arrested, charged, or convicted of a criminal offense within Tippecanoe County.
The primary custodians of these records include:
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Tippecanoe County Clerk's Office
Tippecanoe County Courthouse
301 Main Street, 2nd Floor
Lafayette, IN 47901
(765) 423-9326
Tippecanoe County Clerk -
Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Office
2640 Duncan Road
Lafayette, IN 47904
(765) 423-9388
Tippecanoe County Sheriff
Criminal records serve multiple purposes within the county's justice system, including providing documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement, supporting judicial proceedings, and maintaining a historical record of criminal activity within the jurisdiction. These records are maintained in accordance with Indiana state retention schedules and may be accessed by authorized parties under conditions specified by state law.
Are Criminal Records Public In Tippecanoe County
Criminal records in Tippecanoe County are generally considered public information in accordance with the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA), codified under Indiana Code § 5-14-3. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute.
Members of the public may access the following types of criminal records:
- Court case information
- Charging documents
- Conviction records
- Sentencing information
- Court calendars and dockets
However, certain information within criminal records may be restricted or redacted pursuant to statutory exemptions. These exemptions include:
- Records sealed by court order
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Expunged or restricted records under Indiana Code § 35-38-9
- Information that would compromise ongoing investigations
- Personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers
The Tippecanoe County courts maintain public access terminals at the courthouse where members of the public may search for and view publicly available criminal records. Additionally, many records are accessible through the Odyssey Case Management system, which is utilized by Tippecanoe County for maintaining digital court records.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Tippecanoe County in 2025
Tippecanoe County offers multiple methods for accessing criminal records in 2025, pursuant to Indiana's public records laws. Individuals seeking criminal record information may utilize the following procedures:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Tippecanoe County Clerk's Office located at the Tippecanoe County Courthouse, 301 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Lafayette, IN 47901
- Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Present identification and complete a records request form
- Specify the case number or individual's name and date of birth
- Pay applicable fees for copies ($1.00 per page for standard copies)
Online Access:
- Access the Tippecanoe County Court Records portal
- Navigate to the Odyssey Public Access system
- Create a user account if required
- Search by name, case number, or filing date
- Review available case information and documents
Mail Requests:
- Submit a written request to:
Tippecanoe County Clerk
301 Main Street
Lafayette, IN 47901 - Include specific information about the records sought
- Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Include payment for applicable fees (check or money order)
For comprehensive criminal background checks, individuals may need to contact the Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Office at 2640 Duncan Road, Lafayette, IN 47904, or call (765) 423-9388. The Sheriff's Office maintains records of arrests, incarcerations, and other law enforcement interactions within the county.
How To Find Criminal Records in Tippecanoe County Online?
Tippecanoe County provides digital access to criminal records through several online platforms, in accordance with Indiana's public access laws. The primary online resources for criminal record searches include:
Odyssey Case Management System:
- This statewide system is the official platform for Tippecanoe County court records
- Access is available through the Online Court Records portal
- Users can search by name, case number, attorney, or judicial officer
- The system provides case summaries, chronological case summaries, and some court documents
- Registration is required for full access to certain documents
myCase Portal:
- Operated by the Indiana Judicial Branch
- Provides access to Tippecanoe County court records
- Allows for case tracking and document viewing
- Available at Indiana Courts Online
Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Inmate Lookup:
- Provides information on current inmates in the Tippecanoe County Jail
- Includes booking information and charges
- Available through the Corrections Division website
When conducting online searches, users should note that:
- Some records may require payment for full access
- Certain sensitive information may be redacted in accordance with Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4
- Not all criminal records are digitized, particularly older cases
- Technical limitations may affect search functionality
For assistance with online record searches, users may contact the Tippecanoe County Clerk's Office at (765) 423-9326 during regular business hours.
Can You Search Tippecanoe County Criminal Records for Free?
Tippecanoe County provides several no-cost options for accessing criminal records, though certain limitations apply. Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8, which governs fees for public records, basic inspection of records is available without charge, while reproduction may incur fees.
Free Access Options:
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Public Access Terminals: Located at the Tippecanoe County Courthouse, 301 Main Street, Lafayette, IN 47901. These terminals allow visitors to search and view criminal case information without charge during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM).
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Online Basic Searches: The Odyssey Public Access system permits free searches of basic case information, including:
- Case numbers
- Party names
- Hearing dates
- Case status
- Charge information
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Jail Inmate Lookup: The Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Office provides a free online inmate search tool through their Corrections Division.
Fee-Based Services:
- Document copies: $1.00 per page for standard copies
- Certified copies: $1.00 per page plus $1.00 certification fee
- Complete background checks: Fees vary based on scope and purpose
It should be noted that while basic searches are available at no cost, comprehensive criminal history information may require payment of statutory fees. Additionally, commercial background check services that include Tippecanoe County records typically charge for their services.
What's Included in a Tippecanoe County Criminal Record?
Tippecanoe County criminal records contain standardized information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county. These records are maintained in accordance with Indiana Code § 33-37-5 and typically include the following components:
Case Identification Information:
- Case number
- Filing date
- Court of jurisdiction (Circuit or Superior)
- Judge assigned to the case
Defendant Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Address (may be partially redacted in public records)
- Booking photograph (if applicable)
Criminal Charge Details:
- Offense description
- Indiana Code citation for the alleged violation
- Classification (felony level or misdemeanor class)
- Date of alleged offense
- Arresting agency
Case Progression Documentation:
- Arrest information
- Initial hearing details
- Bond/bail information
- Plea entries
- Pre-trial conference dates
- Trial information (if applicable)
Case Disposition:
- Conviction or acquittal information
- Dismissal details (if applicable)
- Sentencing information
- Probation terms
- Fine and court cost assessments
- Restitution orders
Post-Conviction Information:
- Probation violation hearings
- Modification of sentence
- Appeals
- Expungement proceedings (if applicable)
The Tippecanoe County Court Records system maintains these records, with certain information potentially redacted in accordance with Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4, which protects confidential information from public disclosure.
What Are the Penalties for a Tippecanoe County Criminal Trespass Charge?
Criminal trespass charges in Tippecanoe County are prosecuted according to Indiana Code § 35-43-2-2, which establishes penalties based on the specific circumstances of the offense. The Tippecanoe County Prosecutor's Office, located at 301 Main Street, Lafayette, IN 47901, (765) 423-9305, is responsible for pursuing these cases through the county court system.
Misdemeanor Criminal Trespass:
The standard criminal trespass charge is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, which carries the following potential penalties:
- Up to 1 year in the Tippecanoe County Jail
- Maximum fine of $5,000
- Court costs and fees
- Possible probation terms
- Restitution to property owners (if applicable)
Enhanced Penalties:
Under certain circumstances, criminal trespass may be elevated to a Level 6 felony, including:
- Trespass on school property having been denied entry by school officials
- Trespass on the property of a healthcare facility
- Trespass involving agricultural operations
- Prior trespass convictions
Level 6 felony penalties include:
- 6 months to 2.5 years in the Indiana Department of Correction
- Maximum fine of $10,000
- Extended probation period
- Potential impact on civil rights (voting, firearm possession)
The Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Office enforces trespass laws throughout the county, while cases are adjudicated through the Tippecanoe County courts. Individuals charged with criminal trespass may seek legal representation through the Tippecanoe County Public Defender's Office if they qualify financially.
How Long Does Tippecanoe County Keep Criminal Records?
Tippecanoe County maintains criminal records in accordance with the retention schedules established by the Indiana Commission on Public Records and governed by Indiana Code § 5-15-5.1. These retention periods vary based on the type of record and the disposition of the case.
Standard Retention Periods:
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Misdemeanor Cases:
- Dismissed cases: 5 years from date of dismissal
- Convictions: 10 years from date of final disposition
- Deferred judgments: 10 years from completion of deferral program
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Felony Cases:
- Dismissed cases: 10 years from date of dismissal
- Convictions: 75 years from date of final disposition
- Murder and Class A felony convictions: Permanent retention
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Arrest Records:
- Arrests not resulting in charges: 5 years
- Arrests resulting in charges: Retained with corresponding case file
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Probation Records:
- Misdemeanor probation: 5 years after completion
- Felony probation: 10 years after completion
It should be noted that while physical records may be destroyed after the retention period, electronic indices and basic case information may be maintained for longer periods in the Odyssey Case Management system.
Expungement Provisions:
Indiana Code § 35-38-9 provides mechanisms for expungement of criminal records under certain circumstances. When records are expunged pursuant to court order, they are either sealed from public view or physically destroyed, depending on the category of expungement granted. The Tippecanoe County Clerk's Office, located at 301 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Lafayette, IN 47901, processes expungement orders for county records.
Lookup Criminal Records in Tippecanoe County
Search the Odyssey Case Management system
Visit the Indiana Judicial Branch for Tippecanoe County
Contact the Sheriff's Office for criminal reports